Everything at Its Own Time
And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days
are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
Genesis 29:21
Read Genesis 29: 13-30
The choice for Jacob was clear: he loved Rachel and wanted to marry her.
However, his father-in-law stipulated that he work seven years for her. Jacob
had to pay the dowry before he could receive Rachel. Jacob was willing
to fulfill this agreement. It was like a long engagement.
Engagements certainly worked differently in those days than they do today.
During that time, Jacob must have had contact with Rachel quite regularly.
As a result, he must have begun to know her better as well. During that
lengthy time, he had to control his feelings and his longings.
Even though it had been agreed that Rachel would eventually become Jacob’s
wife, they did not pre-empt married life. Jacob knew that the marriage
contract had to be confirmed before he could partake of its benefits.
It was not difficult for him to wait for the big day. The seven years flew by.
However, when the agreed upon time was fulfilled, he desired to marry as
quickly as possible. In our text, he declares: Give me my wife, for my days
are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
By making this statement so emphatically, Jacob reveals that sexual relations
belong within marriage. Jacob did not claim this illegitimately. Because
mankind is so vulnerable in this area, it needs a safe guard. Only a
marriage relationship can give this.
Thought: The gift of a sexual relationship must be preserved for married life.
Psalter 271:3 (based on Psalm 101)
The faithful and the upright Shall minister to me;
The lying and deceitful My favour shall not see.
I will in daily judgement All wickedness reward,
And cleanse from evildoers The city of the Lord.
